Bachelor of Visual Arts

Course summary

The Bachelor of Visual Arts provides a comprehensive grounding in the practical and theoretical aspects of contemporary visual arts practice. The theoretical component of the course instils an appreciation of both contemporary and historical perspectives applicable to contemporary art practice, curatorial practice and other careers in the arts industry.

Students gain a diverse and rich studio experience in an atmosphere that nurtures and inspires creativity. They develop their skills working in well equipped, purpose-built studios for painting, printmaking, three-dimensional studies (including ceramics and sculpture), DAD (digital art and design), drawing and photography. Students work under the guidance of academic staff who are all practising artists.

The Lismore campus is a cultural hub at the centre of the dynamic arts scene of the Northern Rivers.

Our visual arts graduates have featured in some of Australia’s most prestigious art awards and their work regularly features in commercial and public galleries nationally and internationally. Many have gained further qualifications through Honours and PhD studies to become art researchers and academics, while continuing their art practices.

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Develop the qualities of a reflective, responsible and inclusive practitioner in culturally diverse settings.

Work independently and collaboratively in the visual arts discipline in response to project demands.

Communication and social skills

Communicate effectively in visual, oral and written form.

Work collaboratively to achieve mutually agreed outcomes.

Interpret, communicate, collaborate and present ideas, problems and arguments in modes suited to a range of audiences.

Cultural competence

Demonstrate cultural proficiency, cultural competency and cultural safety in a range of professional and scholarly community contexts.

Recognise, develop cultural understanding and reflect on social and cultural issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in the visual arts.

Assessment methods

Units in visual arts studio studies, digital art and design, photography and drawing are assessed by studio production work, artist’s journal, portfolio and e-portfolio. Generally, approximately 70 per cent of the final grade is based on the studio production work. During study sessions there are ongoing individual and group critique opportunities for feedback on students’ progress. Art theory units are generally assessed by research paper, group presentation, take-home exam, journal and e-portfolio.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including studio-based teaching, field work, lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit. Students also have the opportunity to study some units by distance education (for example, digital photography).

Career opportunities

Graduates typically work as professional and community artists, designers for graphic, product and screen arts industries, arts administrators, educators, curators and arts writers. Graduates are employed by the private and public sectors or are self-employed.

Professional placement

Students have the opportunity to undertake practical workplace experience in the dynamic arts industries of the New South Wales North Coast. They can also study for a session at universities overseas including the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York, University of Hertfordshire in England, Universitat de Barcelona in Spain, University of Massachusetts in USA, and Kansai Gaidai University in Japan.

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Admission Requirements

Qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12 with the required entry grade. Refer to the Course Structure tab for specific admission requirements.

Related links

Learning Resources

MySCU is a student's point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.

The web-based study environment Blackboard Learn delivers an advanced online learning environment for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces, classrooms, and discussion boards. They can share files, presentations and applications. If a tutorial or lecture is recorded, students can view it afterwards.

Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.

The SCU Library provides a wide range of services that include face-to-face and online help, and access to print and electronic resources. To find out more, see the Library Toolbox.

The Academic Skills team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, assignment reviews and small group or one-on-one face-to-face, phone or Skype consultations during business hours 9am to 4.30pm. Appointments can be made via the MySCU Hub ‘Connect Now’ button or on the Academic Skills home page. Students can also book appointments online in Career Hub.

The YourTutor service provides online after-hours study support for SCU students. This service is available from 4pm to midnight Sunday to Friday via the ‘Connect Now’ button on MySCU Hub or from a link in nominated unit learning sites. The YourTutor service offers generic writing feedback and live online chat assistance for foundational concepts and study skills.

Equipment and facilities

Southern Cross University provides students with modern well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.

Discipline-specific facilities are available at the Lismore campus for:

All studios are purpose-designed, well equipped. Students in most studio specialisations are given individual work spaces, while in others the studio is a shared workspace. Individual lockers are available to all students and storage space is available for works-in-progress. Students have access to dedicated exhibition spaces in the building, including the Studio One29 student exhibition space. View details at scu.edu.au/studios

Table of contents

Admission requirements

Applicants for admission shall be required to show evidence, through a portfolio review and interview, of acceptable aptitude for, and commitment to, the proposed area of study.

Course requirements

To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Visual Arts degree a candidate shall successfully complete not less than 24 units comprising:

All units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to the rules; and

Eight [8] units from one of the majors listed in Part B of the Schedule.

Advanced standing

Candidates who can demonstrate artistic expertise at a professional level may be granted advanced standing up to six (6) Visual Arts units from Schedule A and B provided such artistic expertise has been demonstrated within seven (7) years prior to admission to candidature.

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Southern Cross University acknowledges and pays respect to the ancestors, Elders and descendants of the Lands upon which we meet and study.We are mindful that within and without the concrete and steel of buildings these Lands always were and always will be Aboriginal Land.